Elder Johnson Revisits The Lonestar State

Ryan served his mission in the McAllen, Texas mission. He has always talked about going back some day and after his stories of gangsters and dogs and front porch bbqs and tortillas, I really wanted to see it too.

Every year Ryan's work has a big meeting for all of it's employees and they bring along spouses and families just for the fun of it. This year the meeting was in San Antonio, Texas. Being so close, we just couldn't pass up the opportunity to stay a little longer and revisit some of Ryan's old mission areas.

We started the week at the JW Marriott for Ryan's work meetings. This hotel features six acres of heated pools, fountains, waterfalls and rivers so you can imagine what Sadie and I were doing while Ryan was meeting-ing it up.

Ryan & I at the Formal Dinner

When the work shindig was over we visited the Alamo and the Riverwalk and then headed South to the border. Our first stop was Laredo, TX. 



At The Alamo



All of Ryan's mission journals and contacts are packed away in a storage unit in Utah so he didn't really have anyway of finding the people he would have liked to have visited. But because of the transitory nature of border towns and immigrants, it was highly unlikely he would have been able to find these people even if he did have any contact info. So, we didn't get to visit with anybody Ryan taught. But we did get to drive by his mission apartments and drive by the houses of some people he taught. As we were driving by he would tell us stories.

In Laredo we got to see the house of a woman he taught and baptized. She worked as a live-in housekeeper for a family and was trying to save money to bring the rest of her family from Mexico.

Next we went to Brownsville, stopping in Harlingen and San Benito on the way. In Harlingen we saw the apartment where Ryan co-habitated with a porcupine. This porcupine just happened to be a thief and stole his Christmas presents. 

Trying a Mexican Sucker. This one is flavored with Chili Powder.

In Brownsville Ryan served in Cameron Park, which at the time was the poorest neighborhood in the entire United States. Ryan's best mission stories hail from Cameron Park. There are too many good ones to relay here, but if you want to know just ask Ryan about the dogs, the gangsters and the mayo-covered corn.

We took a few days leave of absence from the mission trail and visited South Padre Island. We spent most of the time on the beach.

Our Little Beach Baby

While we were in South Padre Island we went on a dolphin watching tour which was AMAZING! We found a pod of dolphins within just a few minutes of being out on the water. The dolphins were swimming so close to our boat we probably could have touched them if we tried. Our tour guide was also really knowledgeable. He was able to point out the baby dolphins, who, he said, still had their birth wrinkles, making them no more than a few days old.

Dolphins. Coincidentally, they are hard to photograph.

We headed back up to San Antonio and spent our last day down on the Riverwalk. We had lunch on the Riverwalk with some overly friendly birds. There was a duck that kept biting my leg because he wanted food. Sadie still talks about the mean birds in Texas. We also took a little boat ride down the river and saw the sites. San Antonio is a very beautiful city architecturally. I loved it!

This was a fabulous family vacation. I couldn't have wished for a better time!



Gettin' The Crazy Out

With Bambino dos on the way, Ryan's 30th birthday last month and our Anniversary next month, Ryan and I decided we deserved a kid-free vacation. A little time to sleep in, relax and enjoy some tantrum/potty training/ food cutting- free time together. We didn't want to spend a lot of money, but we definitely wanted to go somewhere warm. Another requirement was that we wanted to see something we had never seen before. Our final destination? Phoenix, AZ (warm and cheap...er) with a little road trip to the Grand Canyon (something great we had never seen before. It is, after all, one of the new seven wonders of the world according to wikipdeia and USA Today).

Some how I convinced the grand-parental people to fly in and play with the Sadester for a week while we journeyed westward. (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!) I was not worried in the least bit. On Monday morning, our day of departure, I told Sadie we were leaving and she said, "Ok, mom. Bye! See you soon."

Sweet! And we were off!

We spent 3 days in Scottsdale dining, pool-side lounging, and movie going. I think we may have been the youngest people inhabiting that town by at least 30 years. I guess it is true that you get wiser with age because it seems like a pretty good life to me.

Somewhere around day 2 1/2 I declared to Ryan, "I don't feel crazy any more!" which I guess he either understood or agreed with because all I got in response was a smile. One does get that way after a certain number of times viewing Dora the Explorer, you know. Luckily the remedy is a little more sleep than usual, a lot more sunshine than usual and remembering some past times that I almost forgot I enjoyed: reading, biking, spending time with the hottest guy ever...

A break for some pics:

So, after 3 great days of sunshine we road tripped it to the Grand Canyon.
Miles driven: about 250 (about a 4 hour drive)
Average rating of all the restaurants in town: 1. Trip Advisor suggests McDonald's as the best place to eat.
Color of our hotel: Pink. Never trust a pink hotel...
Weather conditions upon awakening the next morning: blizzard
Grand Canyon entrance fee: $25
Forest Ranger response when asked about the viewing conditions: "Very little..."
Our spectacular views of the Grand Canyon:

It was FREEZING!!!! Oh, and completely fogged in. None was the exact amount we saw of the Grand Canyon. We had a good laugh, went and saw the IMAX film to figure out what we had missed and then we high tailed it back to the land of old people and sunshine.

Loved the vacation. Loved the sleep. Loved the company. I even loved the Grand Canyon.
Loved coming home. Sadie smiled ear to ear for about 15 minutes straight when we got home. I am glad to know she missed us just a little bit.

So, I feel like I got all my crazy out... just in time for it to start all over again. Bring on the toddler, bring on the baby, bring on the Dora. I (think) I can handle it now.

Marco Island, FL

Every year Ryan's work hosts an Annual General Meeting, in which they fly all of their employees (& families, yea!) to a resort and have lots of meetings (parties & fun). This year we went to Marco Island, FL from May 8th to May 11th.

Sadie, being the big, grown up girl that she is, was left at home for the very first time! I thought that it would be really hard and that I would worry lots, but, surprisingly, I really didn't worry at all. And although I love her dearly and I did miss seeing her, I have to admit that it took me a day or two... or all of the days we were gone... to want to come back. It was a much needed couples only vacation. Although, not so romantical seeing as we were surrounded by all of Ryan's co-workers. Thank you to my friend, Heidi, & my mom and dad for watching Sadie. I didn't have to worry while we were gone because I knew she was getting the best care possible. If I worried at all it was because I wasn't 100% sure that she was being on her best behavior...

We spent our days lounging pool side or strolling the white sand beaches. I even got in a beach run (I love beach runs!!!) And we spent our evenings partying it up with all the Fasties (this is what the employees of Ryan's work have named themselves...they work for Fast Enterprises...)


The first night is always just a meet and greet where you can catch up with old friends that work on other projects. This is the first year that we actually knew people that had been transferred. It was so fun to see all of the ex-Utahans. (It is scary to think that in not the too far future we will be the ex-Utahans!!!)


Day 2 we spent pool side, and it just happened to be mothers day. I can't ask for a better mothers day gift than being able to spend the whole day by the pool reading a good book! That night was the big formal dinner. My date was so hot!


The last day is the big family event. This year it was a big carnival down on the beach. They even had jet skiing and sailing available. The party wasn't much fun because Ryan and I spent the whole time standing in line waiting to ride the jet skis, but it was so worth it! We got to see dolphins pretty close up, ride some wild waves and see the beauty of the 10,000 islands.

All in all a fabulous first trip away from the Sades. A wonderful time with Ryan. Lots of sun, way too much food and a good time seeing all of our friends! Can't wait until next year.


We only took our camera to the formal event, so that is what all the pics are of. Kinda sad, because it was a beautiful beach and resort. I wish I wasn't so terrible at remembering!

All of the Utah project in their awesome green attire!

My hot date!

And we aren't the drunk ones.... Every one should try sitting our table and then they will know how much fun you can have even when you aren't drinking!

Road Trip

We decided to be brave this week and attempted our first major road trip with the sadester. We had planned to leave Tuesday night around 5pm. I had visions of Ryan pulling into the driveway at 5 and Sadie and me waiting for him on the doorstep with our bags all packed and everything ready to go. ha ha. maybe someday I will be ready to go on time, but not this day!

So... we ended up leaving around 8pm We left at night with hopes that Sadie would sleep for most of the drive. Did Not Happen! Although, she was pretty happy for most of the drive. She was happy chillin' in the back seat, watching her movies (thank you Hoopers for the dvd player. You saved our lives!!!) and munching on her snacks.We got to Las Vegas around 2am mst and spent the night at the Las Vegas Hilton Casino.

Thankfully, Sadie let us sleep in until 10 the next morning! Of course, we couldn't leave Vegas without showing Sadie the strip, so we took a little drive down Las Vegas Blvd. I think Sadie was impressed. I enjoyed all of the Thunder From Down Under billboards :) And Ryan enjoyed reading a history of Las Vegas to all of us...did you know Las Vegas was founded by mormon bankers and the mafia??? Ha Ha. those mormons...

Anyhoo, we took the rest of the trip pretty slow and stopped pretty frequently. Sadie was a trooper even though I am pretty sure she never wants to get back into her car seat ever again. She did better than I thought she would with the drive, but the dvd player, books, food and toys didn't hold her attention as well as I had hoped.

The heat didn't help anything. Thank goodness for AIR CONDITIONING!!! We passed the world's biggest thermometer. It said 108 degrees. But, when we got to Barstow the temp was a blistering 113 degrees! My flip flops started melting to the asphalt as we walked into the McDonalds (which, by the way, does not sell $1 drinks in 113 degree weather) and I think Sadie started melting too because she only made it half way through the parking lot before she needed to be carried.

All in all a successful adventure I think. We are enjoying San Diego and are headed off to Sea World today. I am excited!

New Moon Party of the Century

Want to see pics from our New Moon Party? Click Here!

In t-minus 54 hours I am boarding a plane and heading to Seattle to attend the New Moon party of the century! My sister-in-law, Crystal, is throwing this not-to-be-missed party. This is the girl who, for me and Ryan's wedding reception, lined the walls of the ward cultural hall with 9 foot high bamboo that she personally cut with her machete that she bought in Africa. I couldn't make something like that up. This girl seriously knows how to throw a party.

Of course we will be attending the midnight showing of New Moon. I now officially declare my allegiance to Team Jacob.

And, oh no, the party does not end there. We will also be making the trip up to Forks as well next weekend. I can't wait to see Bella's red truck. Eat your heart out people.

And in case you are all still doubting whether or not I have the coolest sister-in-law ever, let me mention that I originally thought I wasn't going to be able to make the trip, which I informed her of, and the next thing I know she has bought me a plane ticket. Whatever! How awesome is that? I think it is the nicest thing anybody has ever done for me.

Sadie is also super duper excited to see the cousins and grandparents. I am nervous going on the plane alone with a 15 month old, but if the worst really happens at least I will have some good stories to tell you!

WHOO HOO! PARTY TIME!

I need a vacation!

This is me in Cancun, Mexico a few years ago. That was sans the child and when a vacation was really a vacation.

Ryan and I just finished our last planned vacation for the summer. We visited Puerto Rico and everywhere between Oakley, Ut and Hyrum, Ut and don't forget scout camp! And can I tell you what? I just feel like I need a vacation! How does that work?

The Johnson Independence Day Weekend Celebration

This 4th of July weekend we got the chance to go on a Brewster Family Stay-cation!

We started our weekend early, on Thursday, so as to get as much adrenaline pumping through our veins as possible. We took our 4th of July party to the next level with a little H20 action at the good ole Jordenelle Reservoir. Ryan was looking to nail some knarley air with his sick wake boarding skills. And I, queen of the towable tube, was looking for some hardcore wake.

Sadly, the rain chased us off the lake before I got the chance to demonstrate my wicked talent. Bummer! And Sadie didn't get a chance to go on her very first boat ride, sad. Next time I guess.

We hid from the rain at my parents' cabin. We had lots of good food and fun games.

We packed Friday full of adventure. We caught an early matinee movie. Ryan took his good buddy, Cole, to see Transformers and I went with Deena and Kayden to see Up. I thought the movie was pretty cute but Ryan was disappointed with Transformers. (Shock! Ryan not liking an action movie...what is wrong in the world? Or, maybe he is finally realizing that a movie with only special effects and no plot isn't really that great.) :)

Next we became Olympic bobsledders, or as close as we could possibly get to being Olympic bobsledders. We rocketed down the Alpine Slide, racing on a fixed track of banked turns and exciting straight-aways. Dude, it was Awe.some. Ryan totally beat me.

Sadie paraded around Park City in a really cute patriotic outfit that her grandma Johnson sent her.

Saturday we celebrated the 4th of July at the Oakley Rodeo. It's a Brewster family tradition! The rodeo was a great chance to enjoy a little family togetherness. And togetherness it was! Crammed together on the bleachers we even got close to people who weren't our family. Kennedy's diaper malfunction didn't smell half as bad as the guy's armpits in front of me did. Despite the "country" smell, I thought it was really fun. If you really want to feel the blood pumping in your veins then I would suggest becoming a bare back bronc rider. Cowboy up! One of the riders got pinned between the fence and his bucking horse. However, that wasn't as crazy as the bull riders. One of them got kicked in the chest by his bull. Ouch!

Sadie's favorite part was the Rodeo queens. (Secretly, I think that was my brothers' favorite part too) :) Sadie watched intently as they rode by and waved back at them with both hands. She also really liked to clap along with everybody else when they clapped.

And, of course, it just wouldn't be a family vacation without a few board games.

We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning playing phase 10 and settlers. And, of course, it just wouldn't be a family vacation unless Kayden and Doug cried every time they lost a game. Ha Ha!

Happy 4th of July. We had lots of fun with the Brewsters, the Johnsons and the Van Ausdals. Hope you all had a good one!

Living La Vida Puerto Rico Style (WITH PICS!!)

We jetted off to Puerto Rico on June 4th at 12:50 AM. (Yes people, I said A.M.!) We had a lay over in Atlanta at 6am and then arrived in San Juan around noon. So yeah, we flew ALL NIGHT!!! Sadie did much better on the plane than I ever expected her to do. She didn't sleep much, but she was happy for most of them time. Ryan was nice and let me crash at the airport while he visited Cinnabon.

Sarah (Ryan's co-worker), Allison (Sarah's friend) and Lisa sleeping during our lay over in Atlanta

Sadie and Alena Wong...rockin' some sweet airport transportation

We didn't do much on Thursday as we were all exhausted from the trip. We got settled into our Dorado beach house, Sadie and I went to bed and Ryan went and did some grocery shopping. Our house was nice, right on the beach with spectacular views.

This is the backside of our beach house. Ryan and I had the room with the upper right deck. Pretty good sunrise view! (And yes, we saw the sun rise EVERY morning as Sadie awoke as soon as it was even the tiniest bit light in our room)
Sunrise

Our own little beach below our beach house.

Our Puerto Rico Roomies:

Allison and Sarah

Jason and Laura

Kevin and Talyn (minus Alena)

Neal Alana & Cedric


On Friday we drove over to Luquillo Beach and spent the day frolicking in the waves. Sadie absolutely LOVED the ocean and the sand. We enjoyed some local food for lunch that we bought from the beach-side vendors. (fried carne tacos, rice and beans, etc.)

Sadie and Ryan swimming at Luquillo Beach

Saturday we went to a local farmers market and got some fresh fruits and vegetables to make dinner. Then we were going to go and visit Old San Juan, but we picked up our lovely house guests, the Grahams, from the airport and they were muy tired so we just took them home and let them crash. We spent the day reading, napping, playing games etc.

Sunday we went to the Dorado LDS ward for church. It was really fun because it was Testimony meeting all in Spanish. I had a good time trying to figure out what everybody was saying.

Monday we drove out to the Arecibo Observatory. It is this massive satellite that they do space research with. It was also featured in such movies as Golden Eye and Contact. Pretty cool! Then we went to Toa Alta public beach...not the greatest beach we visited, but we still had fun.

Sadie and Lisa playing in the cloud making machine at the visitor center

Ryan at the satellite

Tuesday we went hiking in the El Yunque rain forest. It was really pretty and super fun. We hiked La Mina trail to a waterfall. On the way back we found a little pool in the river and took a swim. We turned the rocks into a water slide. SUPER FUN!!! We also hiked to El Bano Grande which used to be a big swimming pool. No swimming allowed now, but it was fun to see.

Ready to hike!

Waterfalls are waaay better than bathtime!

Top of our slide

Middle of the slide (minus the bamboo leave sled (ouch))


And into the pool! The white water actually made you go under the rocks and then you would pop back up in the pool. I would tell you it was fun, but I chickened out and stopped myself before I hit the water. This is Ryan. He thinks it was fun.

Tuesday night we kayaked to a bio-luminescent bay. We started rowing around 8pm. By the time we got to the bay it was completely dark. When you stuck your hand in the water it would glow! And when you took your hand out of the water it would sparkle like it was covered in diamonds. The most amazing thing to see was when fish would swim by and jump out of the water, there was a glowing trail behind them. This was one of my favorite adventures of the trip.
Wednesday we took a ferry to the smaller island to the east, called Vieques. We were going to go to Culebra because we heard that it has "the best beaches in the world." Sadly we missed the ferry--no worries! We caught the boat to Viesque and the beach (Sun Bay Beach) on Vieques was as beautiful as can be imagined.

Ryan and Sadie on the ferry.

Lisa and Sadie enjoying Sun Bay Beach. Notice the sand (nearly perfect) Notice the ocean (very blue) Perfect beach! We had mucho amounts of fun.

You can't really see it from the picture, but Sadie is COVERED in a layer of sand. She was having LOTS and LOTS of fun.
Waiting for the ferry back to San Juan. Apparently, the ferry runs on Brewster time a.k.a. very late

Thursday we packed up the beach house and headed into San Juan to the Ritz Carlton for the start of Ryan's work meetings a.k.a. the A.G.M. (Annual General Meeting) were we met up with the rest of FAST enterprises. We are so big now we had to book out the entire hotel. We were quite the sight. The Ritz Carlton was a beautiful hotel.

Friday and Saturday we hung out at the hotel pool and beach. Friday night was the AGM formal dinner and dance. Ryan and I had lots of fun dancing and hanging with the Utah fasties (other fast employees. They call themselves fasties. I don't know why...computer geeks I guess??? ha ha) Saturday night was the family event. We took buses to Old San Juan and visited El Morro, an old Spanish fort built in the 1500s. Then we had a festive dinner complete with dancers, traditional singers, vendors, etc.

Ryan and Sadie swimming at the Ritz
Lisa and Sadie, under the umbrella at the pool. Waiting out the rain...it rained everyday for at least a few minutes and then it would be sunny for the rest of the day.Here we are dancin'(??, I never said we were good) at the formal dinner & dance. Notice my awesome red shoes. They were my favorite part of the outfit.

Sunday we were up at 3:45 AM getting ready to catch our plane back to SLC at 6AM. Again, Sadie did fabulous on the flight. She even slept some.

We had a fabulous time in Puerto Rico. As we were getting ready to go, I thought that Puerto Rico was going to be like Hawaii or the commercialized parts of Mexico. I was very surprised that everything was in Spanish and hardly anything is catered towards tourists. It was a much poorer country than I expected, but just as beautiful.

Here's a shout out to all our "roomies" in the Dorado house. We had a super fun time. We are glad you guys don't hate us after this trip...well, at least we are still on speaking terms :)

Next year we are heading to Marco Island, Florida ,USA. WHOO HOO!!!